One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

8/15/2013

Detroit Lions: Five players to watch in preseason game at Cleveland

The Lions, who are coming off a preseason win over the New York Jets, hit the road tonight (Thursday) to play the Cleveland Browns at 7:30 p.m.

Here are five players to keep an eye on:

1. Rookie Larry Warford: The guard played a team-high 53 snaps in the preseason opener. He didn’t start at right guard, but played there and backed up at left guard too. The competition is still open for the starter at right guard and Warford is in the midst of it.

2. Cornerback Bill Bentley: He lined up in the slot with the starters in the first preseason game, but seemed to struggle even though he has looked good at training camp. He had not played in a game since Oct. 14 due to a shoulder injury. Expect more from him this week.

3. Running back Joique Bell: He’s had a good camp and has generally out-performed Mikel Leshoure. Both will make the 53-man roster, but one will be No. 2 behind Reggie Bush. It’s a good competition that should make Bell and Leshoure play better.

4. Wide receiver Ryan Broyles: His camp schedule has changed from every day to two days on, one day off. He didn’t play in the opener, but would expect him to play at Cleveland, although not for long. You can see for yourself that the ACL surgery hasn’t slowed him down when he’s on the field.

5. Right tackle Corey Hilliard: While Jason Fox got the start last week, it seems Hilliard could get the nod this week. That position is still very much up for grabs between the two who have been alternating in camp. Hilliard has a slight edge in experience, but this competition is tight.

Bonus: Keep an eye on Reggie Bush — if possible. In last week’s game he was lined up in a two-back set, as a single back, split wide and as a slot receiver. The highlight came when he hurdled over a defender on his way to a first down. Don’t underestimate him. He gives the Lions’ offense options it hasn’t had in a long time.

The game will be televised in Detroit on WXYZ-Channel 7. It will re-air at 7 a.m. Sunday on the NFL Network.

About Me

Paula Pasche, a veteran sports writer, covers the Lions for The Oakland Press. She has written a book, "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" which is available at bookstores and on Amazon.com. She won first place for column writing from the Society of Professional Journalists in Detroit (Class B) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and was The Oakland Press 2010 Staffer of the Year.